Abstract:  Large regions and coastal urban communities face significant climate-related risks, including coastal and river flooding, inundations, and sea-level rise. However, long-term predictions of coastal flooding, coastal change, and associated risks involve uncertainties that are difficult to communicate to those affected. This, in turn, can hinder the adaptation of coastal communities to future changes. In our proof-of-concept case study, MAGE (Morecambe Area Gaming Environment), we developed five research tools to enhance engagement between local government and local residents on coastal change, its effects on settlements, and the existing shoreline management plan (SMP) policies. First, we created an open community mapping platform to gather voluntary geographic information (VGI). Second, we developed a mini tabletop game for KS3 Geography for secondary schools. Third, a serious tabletop game that simulates coastal systems and places in North-West UK, playing with communities and schools as a precursor to informing and developing the fourth tool: a sandbox computing system. The portable digital chessboard sandbox that visualises thousands of what-if scenarios in 2055 and 2105 uses Lancaster University’s high-end computing (HEC) resources and a VR experience (our fifth tool). This article concentrates on the decision table, using numerical coastal models, GIS, and algorithms ported to a game engine; the MAGE system features interactive play pieces that the public can move in a 3D environment. Users simulate future climate scenarios for their area and choose interventions and mitigation measures for coastal flooding or change, whether nature-based solutions or hard engineering. Research results identified a specific communication need enabled by spatial computing, allowing communities to interact within the planning decision space and provide rich experiences to mitigate climate change. The MAGE prototype and case study serve as both an educational and participatory tool for coastal communities to map adaptation pathways for transitions between SMP policies. MAGE, as a situated planning artefact, effectively bridges large-scale coastal territories—both rural and urban—to plan for coastal futures.

Keywords:  adaptation pathways; climate resilience; coastal management; coastal modeling; regional planning; spatial computing

Published:   19 October 2026

Issue:   Vol 11 (2026): The Urban Canvas: Spatial Computing in Planning, Analysing, and Representing the Cityscape (In Progress)